9 Days
9-Day Tanzania Safari Express: Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
The full Northern Circuit plus one destination most itineraries skip entirely — the otherworldly Lake Natron, with its dramatic waterfalls and views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, the "Mountain of God."
Tour Highlights
Tree-Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara’s lions and flocks of pink flamingos.
Lake Natron
Millions of flamingos, dramatic waterfalls, and views of the "Mountain of God."
The Serengeti
Home to the Great Migration, endless plains, and abundant big cats.
The Ngorongoro Crater
A 610-meter-deep volcanic caldera, your best chance at the Big 5.
Day by Day
Arrival & Overnight in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Rest and prepare for the safari ahead.
Lake Manyara National Park & Overnight at Mto wa Mbu
Game drive through Lake Manyara — tree-climbing lions, flamingos, herds of buffalo and elephant, and over 400 bird species.
Lake Natron
Drive through dramatic Rift Valley scenery with views of Ol Doinyo Lengai, arriving at Lake Natron — a unique soda lake and the most important breeding site for millions of lesser flamingos in East Africa, with red alkaline waters, hot springs, and towering cliffs.
Full Day at Lake Natron
Visit the Engare Sero waterfalls for a swim in the natural pools, or a guided nature walk along the lake shore. Visit a nearby Maasai village, or take in the views of Ol Doinyo Lengai and the Rift Valley escarpment.
Serengeti National Park
Drive from Lake Natron into the Serengeti’s eastern side for an afternoon game drive — lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Full Day in Serengeti National Park
A full day across riverine forests, granite kopjes, and open grasslands — over 3 million antelope call this park home. Picnic lunch in the bush.
Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into the crater floor, home to approximately 25,000 large mammals including the Big 5 and the endangered black rhino, plus flamingos at Lake Magadi.
Tarangire National Park
Game drive through Tarangire — the densest elephant population in Tanzania, ancient baobabs, and over 500 bird species.
Departure Day
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight — end of safari service.
What's Included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Park entry fees for Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire
- Ngorongoro Crater descent fee
- Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch, dinner on all days)
- All accommodations as specified in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during game drives
- Government taxes and levies
What's Not Included
- International flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Visa fees (available on arrival)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except water)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
